There are a lot of Indie Authors out there who can spin a fantastic damn tale, but are held back from publishing by the traditional industry gatekeepers. They can't afford what they are told they need to be a published author. They say you need a proofreader, an editor (or 3), a cover artist, a graphic designer, an agent, and an established publisher. A lot of people claim that if you don't meet those requirements, you shouldn't even bother.

A disclaimer before I continue.

If you can afford proofers, editors (of all stripes), cover artists, and graphic designers for the love of eternity, use them. They are important. The people who do those jobs well and charge a fair price for their work are to be treasured. Unfortunately, because there is a glut of bad writers, there are a ton of lazy scammers in support positions.

All they want to do is suck you dry, and not in the good way.

But not being able to afford them should NEVER be the barrier stopping a writer from publishing. If your story is good, people will recognize that.

So, where am I headed with all of this incredible nonsense?

Hi, my name is Josh (shocker, right?), and I edit my own work.

I'm a constantly working author, but I'm extremely cash poor, so I make do. I've been told or had it hinted to me that I should be ashamed about this and that it guarantees that my work will always be crap. Of course, 98% of these people wouldn't read my work if it were edited by the top blue pens at the big five publishers.

So, are those people correct?

I don't know.

Maybe yes, and maybe no.

One thing I do know is if it is all crap, it's my crap and nobody else's.

I will always own it.

Do you want to know the process I use?

Well, sorry to say, even if you don't, I'm going to tell you. Don't worry, much like my stature, this'll be short.

First, I write the book.

Then I run the entire manuscript through a grammar and spelling checker (Grammarly) and make corrections.\

Next, I set it aside for at least two weeks, but six is better.

Then I reread what I've written.

I rewrite.